The artist for Music and the Spoken Word lives in our ward. Her name is Amy Hintze and she is unbelievably talented. A couple of weeks ago, she asked Matt and I to model for one of her paintings for an upcoming broadcast. It aired last Sunday, and again yesterday. It was so fun to see ourselves immortalized on TV! The Spoken Word message was about living within one's means, and Matt and I portrayed a couple who hadn't heeded this advice. (Insert throat clearing here). Of course, that was completely hypothetical, because Matt and I have NEVER been in debt and would NEVER EVER get in debt. (Insert throat clearing here).
I have to laugh, cuz I look a little angry in the painting. Who am I angry at? My husband or myself? The eternal question in our marriage. I'm always getting in trouble for getting mad at Matt for getting mad. He's a pretty level-headed guy. A spaz, but level-headed, nonetheless. So whenever he gets mad (usually for me forgetting to do something important, like filing taxes or something. Whatever.) my reaction has always been to get mad back. I'm working on that. Trying to go to my happy place more often and allow someone else to be mad for a while. Somehow, I've convinced myself that my righteous indignation is completely justified, but everyone else should be completely in control and should never allow themselves the indignity of being angry. Don't they know that anger is a choice? That no one else can make you angry and you are choosing your reaction?
Hah. If only it was that simple. While I believe this in theory, my beef with this has always been that that gives people the freedom to just continue pushing your buttons, while the onus lies on you to keep yourself in control. How is that fair? Where is the responsibility for the person pushing those buttons? I've concluded that this is a perfect theory outside the home. I committed a long time ago to not letting others make me angry, offended, hurt, etc. Because seriously, those feelings are way to heavy to carry around. I simply don't have time for that. However, in the home, there is a higher law that must be implemented. I do believe that the onus still lies with oneself to not get angry (or angry back), but there's got to be some responsibility on the rest of those family members to stop pushing all those buttons. Seriously, your fingers must get tired, just give them a rest. And yes, my fingers are probably aching the worst.
So, I've decided this family will all commit to pushing less buttons in our home and to finding the humor (see last post) in our sometimes absurd lives. I like deciding things for others. I'm a very decisive person. I think. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go let them know I've decided this.
Do you think they'll be mad?
7 comments:
I cannot get over how cool that picture is! You're famous! Or perhaps I should say infamous... next time you should ask to be the happy couple. Hahaha. Just kidding.
Before I started reading the post, I was so confused, because I could tell it was you and Matt--I could tell it was your house... but who has a picture of themselves like that? Also, you looked so stern... that didn't seem like the Val I know.
I can't get over how cool that is!
Also, I am terrible at getting mad at Randy for getting mad. Your words on that topic seemed a little like they were directed at me. I'm starting to see that Stern Val in a new light...
So, how did this modelling session go? Did you pose at the desk for the picture? Did you have to hold still for a long time while she painted everything, or did she just take a picture and go about her business? Did she coach you on positions and facial expressions? I'm so curious how this came about.
Good luck on the family mandate. I'm sure they'll be very happy to comply. Piece of cake.
That's so cool... I was jealous when I heard you guys responded first. It turned out great. When is it on again? I forgot to tivo it!! I love your write up, you should write for a newspaper or something. You are so good & funny with your words.
it is fun to see you guys in one of Amys paintings. :)
ruthanns right. You are a great writer Val! I love reading your posts!:)
I just realized I never commented on this post. I think the picture is fascinating! You do look a little mad, but thats normal 50% of the time cause your buttons are always being pushed right! Just kidding. And you also look like you may weight 85 pounds. Jerk!! do you get to keep the original or at least a print or something?
Remember when you wore my swimsuit in high school without asking when we went to California. I was so mad, because I just new you were going to stretch it out with your huge rack!! Then the next thing I know you were mad at me and it was all my fault. Don't worry, I forgave you long ago!! :)
I seriously thought that was a cartoonized photo - what an amazing artist she is! I loved your post - I think you have hit several points that ring true for me (such as not letting others determine my emotional state...except for my family of course. I'm glad I'm not the only one with that problem) If only everyone would stop being such button pushers - the world would be a much nicer place!
Okay, I'm sorry. That picture made me gut laugh for some reason.
I know Amy, we were in the same illustration class together. Nice to see some one is still doing traditional illustration.
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